On my fourth trip to San Miguel in as many years, I found Quinta Recreo, a romantic and picturesque group of apartments, behind a traditional facade, off Parque Juarez. Each apartment is spotlessly clean, charmingly decorated, and comes with a private terrace adjoining gardens overflowing with bougainvillea, citrus and jacaranda. The neighborhood, about a 10 minute, level walk from the Jardin, is among the best in San Miguel -- historic, shaded by large trees, and near the verdant park. Quinta Recreo is run by Federico and Ildiko Cervantes, a lovely and hospitable couple. An amazing value. The only downside is no Internet access from the apartments, though access can be found nearby at neighboring inns and cafes. I'll be back as soon as possible.

I stayed in Casita Azar for nine days and had a heavenly time! Nothing but me, the birds, the girgling fountain next door, views of the gardens from every window, and sunset from the patio every evening. This is a perfect getaway for writers. It even has it's own little desk in the corner of the kitchen!

The bedroom downstairs is small but cozy, with a bathroom on one side and walk-in closet on the other. Up the narrow, circular staircase is the big, bright living room, very spacious kitchen with all amenities, and an ideal little alcove with a window for writing. The back door of the kitchen leads to the rooftop patio -- a must in San Miguel for the sunset views. Every place you look is lovely, and it's only a short walk to the Centro, filled with the bustle of tourists, great restaurants, concerts, and plenty of activity of all kinds.

The proprietors, Ildiko and Federico, are cheerful and accommodating. The only thing missing -- and they say they are working on this -- is Wi-Fi. Coming soon, we hope!

I stayed at Quinta Recreo for 8 days at the end of December, 2008, and through New Years. I was in the Casita Siesta. It was absolutely perfect, exactly what I was looking for! I am a former backpacker style traveler, who now likes to have economy lodging, but with more comfort and amenities.

The inn has a secure, heavy door on the street, that you use your key to get inside. Once inside, all of the casitas are scattered throughout the gardens and patios. There is a small office with a phone you can use, and lots of books, maps, and other info.

Casita Siesta:

You enter into the living/ dining area, off the patio. The kitchen table looks like it would seat 3 people easily. There is a small sofa with coffee table in the same room, nice for lounging in the mornings when it's cool outside.

The casita has a small kitchen, but it is outfitted with everything you might need, utensils, plates, cups, pots and pans. A toaster oven, coffee maker, and fridge as well. There is also a large jug of purified water in the kitchen, which was wonderful to not have to run out to the store immediately.

The bathroom was very nicely decorated, with a nice sized countertop area. The shower has good pressure, and plenty of hot water. I did find it difficult to get the water temperature just right. Also, unless you specifically request, they only change the towels once a week. I thought this was okay, and didn't bother to request otherwise, although I think if they gave you one extra set it would be ideal, since mine was not always dry by the time I took my next shower.

The bedroom is up the stairs, and had a king sized bed, which could be separated into twins if needed. The bed was VERY comfortable, and had a soft down comforter on it, essential for the cool nights this time of year. There was a nice sized closet in the bedroom, and several dressers and night stands as well. The bedroom is upstairs, with a beautiful view of the gardens, and still more private, since you are upstairs a level.

The patio was very nice, with a table and two chairs. It is somewhat private, although this casita is near the entrance, so I saw everyone coming in and out, past my patio. I liked this, because everyone there was very friendly, and it was like a small community. I would imagine the upper casitas woud feel more private.

The walk to the plaza/ Jardin is only 5-10 minutes. The street is well traveled, and very safe, even at night. I was alone for half of my trip, and walked to and from the Jardin at night, up until around 10 or 10:30. There is a little convenience store across the street, and the Parque Juarez is just around the corner.

Federico and Ildiko were wonderful hosts! I arrived late that night, a few minutes after midnight, and Federico was completely gracious about it, and still took the time to show me everything I needed. I saw one of them almost every day that I was there, and they always had great recommendations and advice on things to do.

I will always stay here on return trips to San Miguel! I only wish I had peeked inside some of the other casitas as well, but I loved the one I was in.

My friend Elizabeth and I spent ten days at Quinta Recreo in June 2008 and were delighted with the accommodations. We each had our own bright and cheery little casita consisting of living area with fireplace, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and large garden patio area. The daily rate was a fantastic bargain, especially since daily maid service was included. The property managers, Bev and Henry Penner, went far above and beyond the call of duty. They had placed gorgeous flower arrangements in our rooms (Bev was once a florist) and were a fountain of local information on services, bargains and restaurants during our stay. When I came down with an ear infection the couple were extremely kind and offered to run errands for me along with suggesting homeopathic cures.

I would not stay anywhere else after discovering this little shangri-la in San Miguel.

Gail Holan
Tucson, AZ